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Dunne is our rock says Nedum

Mon 16 Mar 2009, 12:12 PM

Nedum Onouha 0809

Nedum Onuoha is adamant that the defeat at Stamford Bridge was not the cue for doom and gloom - and has handed skipper Richard Dunne the credit for their blossoming partnership at the heart of the Blues defence.

Title-chasing Chelsea had their full-strength side out but managed only one goal, a mis-hit from Michael Essien from a quick free kick, as injury-hit City attempted to lift their away-day hoodoo.

England Under-21 captain Onouha added to his reputation despite being up against top striker Didier Drogba but insisted that Dunne's towering presence has been a key factor in his productive run in the side.

Nedum, who has caught the eye in a 12-match spell since claiming a place, said: "Whether you're in the team or not, you should be developing your game off the pitch, but when you're in the team you can develop more.

"With every game you play you should be improving yourself. But Dunney is so good that anybody can play with him. He's a colossal player, and I think anyone could sit in beside him and do well."

City were disappointed not to give Petr Cech a harder time, but Onouha added: "I think we can take something from the way we played, especially in the second half. We showed that we can dominate in big games. They were at home but for the large part they were the team under most pressure.

"We defend from the front these days, and that's a massive thing when the strikers are all working hard at that. You don't have to do so much at the back, so all credit to the players further up the field."

Nedum is employed at right-back for England Under-21s, who are coached by former Blues manager Staurt Pearce, and the youngster who has come up through the ranks is happy to switch across the defence to suit circumstances.

He said: "When I was at the Academy and in the Under-17 side I was a centre-back, but once I got into the reserves and broke into the first team I was a full-back.

"I got some success then, where perhaps if I'd been seen as a centre back maybe I wouldn't have got in the team. So I'm not too fussed about where I play, to be honest."